Grand Isle Cottage Guidebook
Breakfast!
Wally's is located in South Hero Village (On the left as you head toward Burlington. Delicious bagels. Eat in or takeout.
7am - 2pm Tuesday - Sunday
(Hours of operation as of 06.27.23)
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Wally's Place - Bagel and Deli
54 US-2Wally's is located in South Hero Village (On the left as you head toward Burlington. Delicious bagels. Eat in or takeout.
7am - 2pm Tuesday - Sunday
(Hours of operation as of 06.27.23)
Hero's Welcome is a unique spot - part gift shop, part marine supplies, part market and some really delicious breakfast pastries and sandwiches. It belongs in SO many categories! We love this store for so many reasons. AND if that weren't enough of a description to pique your interest, the drive there is really lovely. They only have a few tables inside but they do have a cute bench outside the store that is photo worthy (we don't want to spoil the surprise!)
6:30am -5pm weekdays; 7am and 8 am Sat/Sun (because everyone needs to get a bit of extra shut eye on the weekend!)
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Hero's Welcome
3537 US-2Hero's Welcome is a unique spot - part gift shop, part marine supplies, part market and some really delicious breakfast pastries and sandwiches. It belongs in SO many categories! We love this store for so many reasons. AND if that weren't enough of a description to pique your interest, the drive there is really lovely. They only have a few tables inside but they do have a cute bench outside the store that is photo worthy (we don't want to spoil the surprise!)
6:30am -5pm weekdays; 7am and 8 am Sat/Sun (because everyone needs to get a bit of extra shut eye on the weekend!)
Sneakers has been around FOREVER because it is that good. It is a small restaurant in Winooski (about 25 minutes away) but if you are heading "out of the islands" anyway, then maybe a stop at Sneakers is in order.
It may be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Research before you go so that you won't be disappointed! (Burlington has a ton of other great options if Sneakers is not open so don't despair!)
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Sneakers Bistro
28 Main StSneakers has been around FOREVER because it is that good. It is a small restaurant in Winooski (about 25 minutes away) but if you are heading "out of the islands" anyway, then maybe a stop at Sneakers is in order.
It may be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Research before you go so that you won't be disappointed! (Burlington has a ton of other great options if Sneakers is not open so don't despair!)
The Milton Diner
What's not to like about a diner, right?
Food scene
Bittersweet Bakery is a small bake shop specializing in cheesecakes (Lemon, Maple, Classic), Frozen Peanut Butter Pies, Chocolate whoopie pies, homemade bread and more. Frosted cinnamon rolls is an especially popular item but is not offered daily.
Also available: Maple syrup in various sizes and maple sugar
We are biased (because the chef is our daughter and mother of our 3 small grandchildren) but we think you will agree that it is worth a trip if you are craving anything sweet.
262 US-2
Bittersweet Bakery is a small bake shop specializing in cheesecakes (Lemon, Maple, Classic), Frozen Peanut Butter Pies, Chocolate whoopie pies, homemade bread and more. Frosted cinnamon rolls is an especially popular item but is not offered daily.
Also available: Maple syrup in various sizes and maple sugar
We are biased (because the chef is our daughter and mother of our 3 small grandchildren) but we think you will agree that it is worth a trip if you are craving anything sweet.
Blue Paddle is located about 10 minutes South (toward Burlington) on Route 2 in the South Hero village on the left. It is a favorite among locals. Moderately expensive ($18 for burger or sandwich) and ~ $25-$40 for entrees.
As of 06.27.23, hours of operation: Thursday - Sunday 5:00-8:30
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Blue Paddle Bistro
316 US-2Blue Paddle is located about 10 minutes South (toward Burlington) on Route 2 in the South Hero village on the left. It is a favorite among locals. Moderately expensive ($18 for burger or sandwich) and ~ $25-$40 for entrees.
As of 06.27.23, hours of operation: Thursday - Sunday 5:00-8:30
McKee's has excellent pizza and a dine in (or take out) area which is very busy during the summer and is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. They likely have other excellent items to eat but we always stick with their pizza!
They do show GF options on their menu.
Pizza prices: ~ $17 - $21
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McKee's Island Pub & Pizza
513 US-2McKee's has excellent pizza and a dine in (or take out) area which is very busy during the summer and is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. They likely have other excellent items to eat but we always stick with their pizza!
They do show GF options on their menu.
Pizza prices: ~ $17 - $21
Bravo Zulu is a more informal restaurant started in 2022 by the owners of Shore Acres (both on the same property, although comfortably spread out from each other).
It is an outdoor restaurant (with overhead coverage and walls that are open in good weather but can be closed when necessary) that is right on the lake. The atmosphere is very casual and very fun. They often have live music. If the tables are temporarily full, then no problem - they have lawn games as well as Adirondack chairs by the lake and a firepit where you can relax with (or without) a beverage while you wait.
Open Tuesday – Sunday for Lunch and Dinner 12pm – 8pm
237 Shore Acres Dr. North Hero, VT 05474
Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar
Bravo Zulu is a more informal restaurant started in 2022 by the owners of Shore Acres (both on the same property, although comfortably spread out from each other).
It is an outdoor restaurant (with overhead coverage and walls that are open in good weather but can be closed when necessary) that is right on the lake. The atmosphere is very casual and very fun. They often have live music. If the tables are temporarily full, then no problem - they have lawn games as well as Adirondack chairs by the lake and a firepit where you can relax with (or without) a beverage while you wait.
Open Tuesday – Sunday for Lunch and Dinner 12pm – 8pm
237 Shore Acres Dr. North Hero, VT 05474
Shore Acres in North Hero is a lovely upscale (for this area) lakeside restaurant. Dress is casual but the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. Entrees run ~ $28-$40 for most selections +/-.
Daily 5-9pm during the summer; call for reservations
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Shore Acres
237 Shore Acres DrShore Acres in North Hero is a lovely upscale (for this area) lakeside restaurant. Dress is casual but the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. Entrees run ~ $28-$40 for most selections +/-.
Daily 5-9pm during the summer; call for reservations
Breweries
Kraemer & Kin is a local brewery that began in 2019 and has already amassed a devoted following. Check them out at the Brewery & Taproom at the Alburg Golf Links
Kraemer & Kin
230 Rt.129Kraemer & Kin is a local brewery that began in 2019 and has already amassed a devoted following. Check them out at the Brewery & Taproom at the Alburg Golf Links
Burlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries. Zero Gravity is one of the more popular ones.
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Zero Gravity Brewery
716 Birchcliff PkwyBurlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries. Zero Gravity is one of the more popular ones.
Burlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries.
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Foam Brewers - Burlington Waterfront
112 Lake StBurlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries.
Burlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries.
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Switchback Brewing Co.
160 Flynn AveBurlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries.
Burlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries.
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Burlington Beer Company
180 Flynn AvenueBurlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries.
Burlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries.
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Queen City Brewery
703 Pine StBurlington is ~ 30 minutes away and is host to a number of small, popular breweries.
This Winooski brewery is just on the other side of the bridge from Burlington ~ 30 minutes away.
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Four Quarters Brewing
70 Main StThis Winooski brewery is just on the other side of the bridge from Burlington ~ 30 minutes away.
Wine Tasting and Free Thursday Concert Series
Snow Farm Vineyard has been making award winning wine for 25 years. A lovely spot off the West Shore of South Hero (~ 15 minutes away), it offers indoor and covered outdoor wine tasting.
From mid-June through mid-September, enjoy a free Thursday evening outdoor concert (weather permitting). This is a favorite activity and draws loyal followers from all over the region. Concerts typically run 6:30-8:30 but the time may be adjusted as the days shorten. Check out their website for more information.
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Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery
190 W Shore RdSnow Farm Vineyard has been making award winning wine for 25 years. A lovely spot off the West Shore of South Hero (~ 15 minutes away), it offers indoor and covered outdoor wine tasting.
From mid-June through mid-September, enjoy a free Thursday evening outdoor concert (weather permitting). This is a favorite activity and draws loyal followers from all over the region. Concerts typically run 6:30-8:30 but the time may be adjusted as the days shorten. Check out their website for more information.
Sandy (local) public beaches
The town owns a small bit of lake front. The Grand Isle Town Beach is also referred to as "Mary Crest Beach" by many locals (good to know if you are asking for directions).
The beach is a bit rocky at the top (like our beach) but is sandy toward the water and into the water. It is a favorite local swimming spot and is open to the public at no cost.
It is ~ 8 minutes away off of East Shore NORTH (note that our street is off of East Shore SOUTH). Think of a pair of glasses. East shore south is the left lens. Go onto Route 2 North for the bridge of the glasses and then take a right onto East Shore North to get to the right lens.
Grand Isle Town Beach
East Shore NorthThe town owns a small bit of lake front. The Grand Isle Town Beach is also referred to as "Mary Crest Beach" by many locals (good to know if you are asking for directions).
The beach is a bit rocky at the top (like our beach) but is sandy toward the water and into the water. It is a favorite local swimming spot and is open to the public at no cost.
It is ~ 8 minutes away off of East Shore NORTH (note that our street is off of East Shore SOUTH). Think of a pair of glasses. East shore south is the left lens. Go onto Route 2 North for the bridge of the glasses and then take a right onto East Shore North to get to the right lens.
This state day park offers a sandy beach (which is in somewhat limited supply in the islands). It is open from Memorial Day - Labor Day. Price to get in is inexpensive (~$4/pp).
~ 8 minutes North on Route 2, just past the Drawbridge on the left.
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Knight Point State Park
44 Knights Point RdThis state day park offers a sandy beach (which is in somewhat limited supply in the islands). It is open from Memorial Day - Labor Day. Price to get in is inexpensive (~$4/pp).
~ 8 minutes North on Route 2, just past the Drawbridge on the left.
This is a very popular state day park that offers a large sandy beach, as well as a grassy area with some barbecue grills and a volleyball net.
The water is warm but can get fairly shallow by the end of the summer.
It is $4/pp and is ~ 15 mins south on Rte 2 toward Burlington.
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Sand Bar State Park
1215 US-2This is a very popular state day park that offers a large sandy beach, as well as a grassy area with some barbecue grills and a volleyball net.
The water is warm but can get fairly shallow by the end of the summer.
It is $4/pp and is ~ 15 mins south on Rte 2 toward Burlington.
This is a fun and unusual (for our area) place to visit that is only starting to get "discovered". It is officially a Vermont State park. Price is ~ $4/pp
Stand up paddle boards and boats are listed as available to rent.
Approximately 30 minutes away. Bring your own food/beverages and beach chair.
(From the website)
This 625-acre property became a state park in 1996. It is named for the sand dunes near the center and western end of the south-facing, natural sand beach. This beach is amongst the longest beaches on Lake Champlain.
The beach and dunes together make up what is known as a barrier island, geologically similar to coastal formations more common along ocean shorelines. At Alburgh Dunes, the sand has come from a layer of glacial till- the soil that was left atop the low bluffs southeast of the beach when the last glacier melted. The bluffs have eroded over thousands of years, and the soil carried off by lake currents. Sand from that soil settles out in the pocket between the rocky "Point of Tongue" to the east and "Coon Point" to the west, forming the beach. Prevailing southerly winds, in the late summer and fall when lake levels are the lowest, blow the sand back from shore, forming dunes. It's a barrier between the lakeshore and the wetland behind, and an island because the beach and dunes, however slowly, continue to migrate into and over the wetland. Deposits of exposed peat are visible on the low end of the beach or in the shallow water just offshore. This peat was formed in the wetland; as the beach and dunes have moved back the peat has been overlaid by sand. Erosion from the waves continues to uncover it.
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Alburg Dunes State Park
151 Coon Point RoadThis is a fun and unusual (for our area) place to visit that is only starting to get "discovered". It is officially a Vermont State park. Price is ~ $4/pp
Stand up paddle boards and boats are listed as available to rent.
Approximately 30 minutes away. Bring your own food/beverages and beach chair.
(From the website)
This 625-acre property became a state park in 1996. It is named for the sand dunes near the center and western end of the south-facing, natural sand beach. This beach is amongst the longest beaches on Lake Champlain.
The beach and dunes together make up what is known as a barrier island, geologically similar to coastal formations more common along ocean shorelines. At Alburgh Dunes, the sand has come from a layer of glacial till- the soil that was left atop the low bluffs southeast of the beach when the last glacier melted. The bluffs have eroded over thousands of years, and the soil carried off by lake currents. Sand from that soil settles out in the pocket between the rocky "Point of Tongue" to the east and "Coon Point" to the west, forming the beach. Prevailing southerly winds, in the late summer and fall when lake levels are the lowest, blow the sand back from shore, forming dunes. It's a barrier between the lakeshore and the wetland behind, and an island because the beach and dunes, however slowly, continue to migrate into and over the wetland. Deposits of exposed peat are visible on the low end of the beach or in the shallow water just offshore. This peat was formed in the wetland; as the beach and dunes have moved back the peat has been overlaid by sand. Erosion from the waves continues to uncover it.
Things to Do
Farmers Markets dot the local landscape. (Most run from early May through October) Below are just a few of the many farmers markets that you can find during your stay.
South Hero: Wednesdays: 3:00-6:00 - Located at St Rose of Lima, Rte 2
Grand Isle: Saturdays: 9:30-2:00 - Located at St Joseph, Rte 2
Burlington: Saturdays 9:00-2:00 - 345 Pine Street (Exit 14W off I 89; follow it down the main street)
Winooski: Sundays 10:00-2:00 - On the Round About - Take a right at Exit 16 south on I89 and follow that street until you hit it. :)
South Hero
Farmers Markets dot the local landscape. (Most run from early May through October) Below are just a few of the many farmers markets that you can find during your stay.
South Hero: Wednesdays: 3:00-6:00 - Located at St Rose of Lima, Rte 2
Grand Isle: Saturdays: 9:30-2:00 - Located at St Joseph, Rte 2
Burlington: Saturdays 9:00-2:00 - 345 Pine Street (Exit 14W off I 89; follow it down the main street)
Winooski: Sundays 10:00-2:00 - On the Round About - Take a right at Exit 16 south on I89 and follow that street until you hit it. :)
Grand Isle Fish Hatchery
Vermont has 5 fish hatcheries scattered throughout the state, which produce more than 1.5 million fish annually for distribution and to stock Vermont's lakes and streams.
Grand Isle is lucky enough to be home to one of them!
The GI hatchery rears six different fish species and is open from 8-4 daily.
Ed Weed Fish Culture Station
14 Bell Hill RdGrand Isle Fish Hatchery
Vermont has 5 fish hatcheries scattered throughout the state, which produce more than 1.5 million fish annually for distribution and to stock Vermont's lakes and streams.
Grand Isle is lucky enough to be home to one of them!
The GI hatchery rears six different fish species and is open from 8-4 daily.
St Michael's Playhouse offers live professional theater on the campus of St Michael's College in Colchester.
According to their website, "As the premiere professional theater company in Northern Vermont the Playhouse is considered “One of the best regional theater companies in America” by the New York City Drama League and hailed by Yankee Magazine as “The Best of New England.”
Saint Michael's Playhouse
18 Campus RdSt Michael's Playhouse offers live professional theater on the campus of St Michael's College in Colchester.
According to their website, "As the premiere professional theater company in Northern Vermont the Playhouse is considered “One of the best regional theater companies in America” by the New York City Drama League and hailed by Yankee Magazine as “The Best of New England.”
The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is located on Main Street in Downtown Burlington. Please search their name to find out what shows they are currently headlining.
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Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
153 Main StThe Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is located on Main Street in Downtown Burlington. Please search their name to find out what shows they are currently headlining.
Shelburne Museum has a lot to offer. There is too much great history to be able to do it justice here. We definitely recommend looking them up to find out more but here are just a few tidbits: Founded by Electra Havemeyer Webb in 1947, the museum says this: "Designed to allow visitors the pleasure of discovery and exploration, the Museum includes thirty-nine distinct structures on forty-five acres, each filled with beautiful, fascinating, and whimsical objects."
They offer summer outdoor concerts and theatrical performances scattered throughout the season (some may be free; others may require purchase of a ticket. }
Whether you are interested in roaming the landscape, looking at their museum items and special collections, attending one of the summer outdoor concerts or visiting the nearby Shelburne farms - this is DEFINITELY something to consider if you are looking for something to do other than enjoying relaxing right here by the lake! ;)
If you decide to go to one of their concerts, check in with us. We may be able to find a couple of small portable lawn chairs for you to borrow to make you more comfortable.
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Muzium Shelburne
6000 Shelburne RdShelburne Museum has a lot to offer. There is too much great history to be able to do it justice here. We definitely recommend looking them up to find out more but here are just a few tidbits: Founded by Electra Havemeyer Webb in 1947, the museum says this: "Designed to allow visitors the pleasure of discovery and exploration, the Museum includes thirty-nine distinct structures on forty-five acres, each filled with beautiful, fascinating, and whimsical objects."
They offer summer outdoor concerts and theatrical performances scattered throughout the season (some may be free; others may require purchase of a ticket. }
Whether you are interested in roaming the landscape, looking at their museum items and special collections, attending one of the summer outdoor concerts or visiting the nearby Shelburne farms - this is DEFINITELY something to consider if you are looking for something to do other than enjoying relaxing right here by the lake! ;)
If you decide to go to one of their concerts, check in with us. We may be able to find a couple of small portable lawn chairs for you to borrow to make you more comfortable.
The 2023 "Old Stage Summer Series" offers weekly music acts with some local and some nationally known bands such as Jamie Lee Thurston and others. Search using that title and you will find the full list of bands.
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Essex Experience
21 Essex WayThe 2023 "Old Stage Summer Series" offers weekly music acts with some local and some nationally known bands such as Jamie Lee Thurston and others. Search using that title and you will find the full list of bands.
The Alburg Golf Links is a fun golf course with amazing views of Lake Champlain. Play a round of golf, go to the driving range or just sit at the large outdoor deck (or inside during inclement weather) and enjoy the incredible scenery as well as food and beverages from Kraemer and Kin Brewery.
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Alburg Golf Links Inc
230 VT-129The Alburg Golf Links is a fun golf course with amazing views of Lake Champlain. Play a round of golf, go to the driving range or just sit at the large outdoor deck (or inside during inclement weather) and enjoy the incredible scenery as well as food and beverages from Kraemer and Kin Brewery.
Gifts / Arts and Crafts
Visit Grand Isle Art Works: A Vermont Artisans’ Gallery located on Route 2 just north of the village in Grand Isle. (~ 5 mins away)
The property is a quirky old farmhouse built in 1797, with lots of character and interesting spaces for displaying art and fine crafts. They represent over 70 Vermont artisans with artwork across multiple mediums! The colors make this little farmhouse come alive!
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Grand Isle Art Works
259 US-2Visit Grand Isle Art Works: A Vermont Artisans’ Gallery located on Route 2 just north of the village in Grand Isle. (~ 5 mins away)
The property is a quirky old farmhouse built in 1797, with lots of character and interesting spaces for displaying art and fine crafts. They represent over 70 Vermont artisans with artwork across multiple mediums! The colors make this little farmhouse come alive!
Hero's Welcome is a fun general store in North Hero and is worth a visit. It offers fun and unique items to buy for yourself or as gifts. It also provides excellent sandwiches, baked goods and coffee.
It ticks several boxes: Food, place to visit and things to do as it also offers Kayak, canoe, paddleboard and e-bike rentals!
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Hero's Welcome
3537 US-2Hero's Welcome is a fun general store in North Hero and is worth a visit. It offers fun and unique items to buy for yourself or as gifts. It also provides excellent sandwiches, baked goods and coffee.
It ticks several boxes: Food, place to visit and things to do as it also offers Kayak, canoe, paddleboard and e-bike rentals!
Green Frog is located in South Hero (~10 mins away).
It is worth a visit, selling Vermont and New England products (clothing as well as toys and food products).
Green Frog Gift's & Clothing
7 Ferry RdGreen Frog is located in South Hero (~10 mins away).
It is worth a visit, selling Vermont and New England products (clothing as well as toys and food products).
Vermont Handmade Gifts (~10 mins away)
The Island Craft Shop at 329 US Route 2 in South Hero Village is the oldest artisan cooperative in Grand Isle County, Vermont.
It was founded in 1991 by a group of talented Champlain Island crafters
Island Craft Shop
329 US-2Vermont Handmade Gifts (~10 mins away)
The Island Craft Shop at 329 US Route 2 in South Hero Village is the oldest artisan cooperative in Grand Isle County, Vermont.
It was founded in 1991 by a group of talented Champlain Island crafters